Absorbent composition of matter for odoriferous substances and releaser of diverse active ingredients

ABSTRACT

A new product is described characterized by its qualities to absorb undesirable scents present in the air, while serving at the same time as a carrier for aromas, fragrances, flavorings, repellents, attractants and other active ingredients. The active ingredients are gradually released by the carrier, which is compatible with the environment and current tendencies towards the use of organic and biodegradable products. The composition comprises a carrier and an active ingredient. The carrier is characterized as being particles obtained from the milling, separation, air wash and classification of the different fractions obtained from corncobs.

CROSS-NOTING TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/856,196,filed on Sep. 4, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,344, which claims thebenefit of PCT Application No. PCT/MX00/00034, filed Sep. 13, 2000,which claims the benefit of Mexican Application No. 998523, filed Sep.17, 1999, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A new product is described characterized by it's qualities as anabsorbent of undesirable scents present in the air and capable ofsimultaneously acting as a carrier of fragrances, aromas and otheractive ingredients, which are released, gradually by the carrier to theair around it. The combination of both factors, characterized by thecomposition of matter ability to absorb undesirable scents and releasefragrances or other active ingredients, simultaneously andindependently. The processes for obtaining this product is alsodescribed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The search by mankind for absorption of unpleasant aromas and scents inthe air that we breathe is as old as civilization. The earliestdocuments come from the Egyptians that used substances like charcoal, toabsorb from the air the scent of the cadavers in the mummificationprocess.

Over the centuries these processes of purification for breathable airevolved in their technique, particularly at the beginning of the XXcentury due to the advent of toxic gases for military purposes. Thisevolution consisting in the filtration of breathable air has progressedto satisfy military and industrial necessities. Quick advances in thestate of the art where made during the second half of the XX century, toimprove the quality of the air in closed spaces, due to the contaminantsin the air, generated by industry, transportation and in general bymodern human activities. These filtration and purification systems ingeneral are expensive and active in nature, requiring energy tocirculate the air for its filtration.

On the other hand the evolution of passive systems has been slow and notas effective as that of the active systems. Passive systems do notrequire energy to absorb scents; fans or forced air through filters arenot necessary to absorb gases or undesirable substances in the air.Passive systems are characterized to be substances or products thatexposed to the environment, absorb, adsorb (accumulation on the surface)or react chemically to eliminate undesirable scents, gases or particlesfrom the air.

The necessity to counteract or to eliminate, effectively andeconomically, the undesirable odors in the air has increased along withpopulation growth, especially in urban concentrations since this iswhere the largest amount of pollutants and substances that bother humansmell are generated. Examples of patents addressing this problem, areU.S. Pat. Nos. 5,944,704; 5,932,495; 5,932,147; 5,891,508; 5,861,147;5,856,248; 5,807,364; 5,782,409; 5,733,272; 5,714,137 and the U.S. Pat.No. 5,593,670.

Examples common to the necessity of counteracting these polluting agentsthat cause bad odors are: the elimination of the aroma of tobacco smokeand its smell that impregnates closed spaces, such as houses, officesand automobiles. The malodor of garbage in kitchens, houses andbuildings. The necessity to absorb or to neutralize scents duringstorage of foods, ranging from domestic to commercial and industrialrefrigerators. The previous examples are just a small sample of thedynamic and ever more complex universe of human beings and pets,cohabiting and using progressively more consumer goods in continuouslyreducing spaces.

In the combat of malodor scents, the most common and oldest is the onecharacterized by the use of substances that contain perfumes to maskscents. The masking of scents is the concealment of one smell byanother, usually a malodor. However the preferences for different aromasvary according to the individual and require relatively large amounts ofperfume to counteract smelly malodor aromas.

Other forms of controlling malodor are, for example, the use of chemicalsubstances. These processes are known in the state of the art asdegradation by oxidation, where oxidizing agents such as: Chlorinebleach, Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorine Dioxide, and PotassiumPermanganate are used. Other forms use degradation processes forreduction of malodor, these use active ingredients such as, SodiumBisulfate to reduce malodor. These substances can be dangerous andaggressive for humans if used in direct form or exposed to theenvironment, they may also be harmful if in direct contact to cloths andmany different surface materials.

Another method for the control of malodor is the use of activeingredients designed to react with smelly or malodor substances, byusing specific chemical groups. Examples of these substances are thebiguanid polymers that are mingled with organic compounds that containatoms N and/or S, as well as the esters of fatty alcohol's of MethylMetacrylic that react with thiols, ammines and aldehydes. Their benefitsare limited since they only react with certain very specific types ofmalodor.

Other types of well-known compounds are deodorants, in the state of theart these are antibacterial and fungicidal which destroy microorganismsthat produce malodor. These compounds, typical in formulations ofproducts for personal hygiene, are not effective in combating smellysubstances that have already been generated and that do not come fromsources like tobacco smoke or food.

Other forms of eliminating undesirable aromas from the air, areachieved, using absorbent substances or products. Malodor particles orcompounds stick to their molecular structure; these chemicalcompositions are the cause of malodor. Other absorbent agents arecharacterized by admitting and retaining the malodor molecule insidetheir molecular structure. Among the more common absorbent agents arecharcoal, alkaline compounds such as sodium bicarbonate, aluminumsilicates and Zeolite. Some chemical substances are also absorbents,such as: Ciclodextrine whose intermolecular cavities admit smallmolecules of malodor. However, Ciclodextrin, especially when formulatedin a watery solution, is considered fertile ground for microorganisms,given their important glucose content.

Finally it is necessary to consider that conceptually there are twoforms of achieving reduction or elimination of malodor. The first iscalled a passive system, meaning that upon exposure to the environment,the active ingredient or the absorbent agent eliminates malodor scentsfrom the surrounding air by contact. The second is an active system thatachieves effectiveness by utilizing a mechanical devise. Most common areforced air systems that circulate air that in combination with absorbentor active ingredients, filter, absorb, perfume, or react chemically withmalodor substances.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The functional objective of this invention, is that this composition ofmatter gathers three simultaneous qualities: 1) absorbs undesirablescents from the air 2) simultaneously releases into the air differenttypes of active ingredients, usually but not limited to pleasant aromas.3) Operates efficiently and economically by being a passive agent thatdoes not require use of energy and it's associated operating cost.

Additionally it is necessary to contemplate other factors that areconcurrent in the present invention and that are part of the newproduct, object of this invention in it's functional aspects:

First; Current tendencies prefer the use of organic and biodegradablematerials, such is the case of this absorbent carrier that whileabsorbing malodors and releasing active ingredients into it'ssurrounding, is compatible with the environment and easily disposableand recyclable in nature.

Second; Covered under the concept of aromas we find pleasent smellingsubstances perceivable to the human sense of smell, as well as othersubstances that without being significantly disagreeable to humans maybe used as repellents or attractants for other species. The compositionof matter object of this invention can also be used as a carrier forrepellents or attractants to species like insects, microorganisms,reptiles, mammals, etc.

The concept of the new product derived from the present invention, isenlarged in its range of applications. For example, uses in agriculture,home and industry are possible by combining it's qualities to absorbmalodor and gradually release an aromatic substance to repel plagues ofinsects like cockroaches in kitchens or mosquitoes as well as otheragricultural crop damaging insects. Good results are obtained bycombining a substance like Nepetalactone, known for it's qualities as arepellent of cockroaches or garlic known for it's qualities as arepellent for garden or agriculture damaging insects, with thisabsorbent carrier. Additionally the absorbent carrier has the capacityto gradually release these forms of repellent aromas providing for along lasting product; malodor, if present is also absorbed. Inversely,attractant substances can be used, being of particularly usefulapplication for household pets, for example, the use of an attractantaroma or fragrance in the production of cat litter.

Third; the absorbent agent can be combined with other chemicalsubstances whose properties allow them to react chemically with aromaspresent in the air. This includes the use of substances not perceived byhuman smell. Such as oxidizing agents or reducers that can helpneutralize the concurrence of diverse aromas, like those present in arefrigerator; Simultaneously the aroma absorption capacity of thecarrier comes into effect resulting in a refrigerator that doesn'tsmell.

Another example for the use of the composition of matter subject of thisinvention, is its use for medicinal and therapeutic use. As is the caseof aromatherapy, where the carrier releases into the air of a room,automobile, or office, aromas of medicinal type in accordance to theresults a user is trying to achieve, for example: Aroma of thyme,eucalyptus or other to alleviate breathing congestion.

Fourth; The product object of the present invention fulfills thequalities of absorption of malodor and/or the release of aromas orfragrances in a passive way, when being exposed to the environment inany container that allows it's contact with the air around it. The newproduct can also be used as a substantial component in active systems,since it can be adapted to all type of air conditioning, heating, airfiltration, air care, industrial or commercial spaces as well astransportation vehicles. Functionality is mostly dependent on the use ofan appropriate container that adapts to the required air intake of thesystem in question.

The qualities of the new product are more obvious and more effective inactive systems of air filtration and conditioning, characterized byrecycling air in relatively reduced spaces, such as automobiles,airplanes and public transportation vehicles. The intensity and durationof the aroma or fragrance released in the air through active systems,can be controlled by the concentration of aromas, fragrances or activesubstances to be used as well as it's adequate formulation, according tothe knowledge available for the state of the art.

The effectiveness and duration of this new product in combination withactive systems, will depend on the absorbent agent's volume and thisamount is calculated in direct relationship to the volume and air speedthat the active system moves in a given period of time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the product object of the present inventionconsists of two basic elements: first, a carrier characterized by it'sgreat capacity for odor and malodor absorption, and gradual release ofother active substances toward the air or surrounding atmosphere.Second, one or more chemical, natural or synthetic elements that addedto the carrier complete diverse functions, according to the desiredresults (perfume surrounding air, react with undesirable substancespresent in the air, liberate therapeutic, repellent or attractantchemical agents).

The carrier which is the preferred embodiment of the product in thepresent invention is a material obtained from the threshed ear of corn(Zea Maiz) whose special physical and chemical qualities al low thepreviously described functions, of absorption and gradual release. Toobtain the different components that comprise the threshed ear of corn,an industrial process, well known in the state of the art is required,which consists of separation, classification and sizing of each one ofthe components that constitute corncobs.

The threshed ear of the corn, also known as “olote” in Mexico, “spiga demaiz” in Castilian, corncob in English, “sabugo ” in Portuguese and“balle de mats” in French, if cut transversely is constituted by threeconcentric ring. Starting with the inner ring, they are known in Englishas pith, woody ring and chaff. The material of the present inventionuses the woody ring and chaff portions.

The woody ring, as well as the chaff portions have similarcharacteristics, both can be used as carriers for active ingredients asdescribed in the body of the present invention. The main differencesreside in the difference of absorption capacity and in the particlehardness. Other differences exist and are described below.

In order for the woody ring to comply with the requirements of thepresent invention it must have the following characteristics: woody ringshould be 99% free of other cob particles, it should have no more than1% dust or fines (the product should be air washed). It must besubjected to heat treatment that guarantees microbiology content andmoisture levels under 10%. For correct functionality, the particle sizeshould be uniform in size and ranges should not exceed a maximum of 2380microns and a minimum of 250 microns.

The woody ring of corncobs is characterized by the following: a hardnessof 4.5 on the Mohs scale, a fast absorbency of oil (for example soybeanoil) of 1 to 1 on weight basis and the typical molecular structure of anatural fiber. Ideally particle sizing for the present invention shouldbe between the following ranges: 1) retained or larger than a mesh of2380 microns, 2) particles between 2380 and 1191 microns, 3) particlesbetween 1191 and 841 microns, 4) particles between 841 and 420 microns.

The main characteristic of the particle size is the contact surface thateach one represents; for example, particles between 1410 and 841 micronshave an average contact surface of 5.88 square meters per gram.Particles between 841 and 420 microns have an average contact surface of7.20 square meters per gram. This characteristic is decisive in thequalities of absorption of different substances on the part of thecarrier that embodies the product object of the present invention.

It is necessary to highlight that woody ring particles are characterizedby having a structure that seen on an electron microscope, resemblesthat of a sea sponge. One can infer that this type structure hascapacity to admit and retain substances of small and large molecularsize. This allows superior qualities of absorption in comparison toother products such as Ciclodextrines that as is known in the state ofthe art, only admits malodor molecules of small size.

The separate and classified sizes of woody ring have unique qualitiesfor the absorption of scents from the air in contact with them. Toillustrate this, diverse laboratory tests were made with surprisingresults as follows:

EXAMPLE #1

A 100 gram portion of mature Camembert cheese, a 20 gram portion ofbacon and a 10 cm dish containing 25 grams of woody ring particles sizedbetween 1410 and 841 microns where all placed in a sealed glasscontainer. Another glass container with the same components except forthe woody ring particles was also prepared as a control sample. Bothglass containers were inspected at intervals of 24 hs, 3 days, 5 daysand 8 days; the container with the absorbent material practically didn'tmanifest the characteristic scent of the decomposition of productscontained, while the control glass container presented potent andunpleasant scents.

EXAMPLE #2

10 grams of tobacco where incinerated in two sealed glass containers.One of the containers had a 10 cm diameter dish containing 10 grams ofwoody ring, sized between 1410 and 841 microns. The other containerremained as a control sample. After 24 hours both containers whereopened. The container with the absorbent woody ring particles did notpresent the characteristic scent of tobacco, while the control samplepresented potent scents characteristic of tobacco smoke.

In both tests the evaluation of the scents or aromas were carried out bythe authors of the present invention, as well as by a professionalperfumist whose educated sense of the smell surrendered an objectiveopinion of these tests.

The characteristics of the Chaff portion of the corncob are similar tothe woody ring portion in its ability to function as a carrier forfragrances and other active ingredients. The most distinguishingdifferences are: 1) more absorption; between 1.5 and 3 times it's weightin oil. 2) Particles size between 841 and 73 microns and 3) lessparticle flowability. Woody ring particles are rounder in shape thanchaff and therefore flow better.

This physical difference between woody ring particles and chaffparticles is translated into functional differences in the ability toabsorb undesirable scents from the air. Additionally the granular formof the woody ring allows for more interparticule space for airflow.While the smaller closer chaff particles allow less airflow.

Both woody ring and chaff are characterized by having an almost neutralpH, in the order of 6. This quality makes it an ideal inert carrier withall type of substances, since it does not react with active ingredients.Some other types of carriers have to be disactivated first to neutralizetheir pH content.

The physical and chemical characteristics of corncobs are not favorablefor the development of microorganisms, therefore not providing fertileground for bacteria or fungi that in turn cause malodor or disagreeablescents. It is known in the state of the art that a whole corncob can bestored without cover for periods of one year.

The functional differences of the woody ring portion (flowability andlarger interparticle space) and that of the chaff (more absorption)allow for a great diversity of applications and use. These corncobfractions can be used combined or separately, for differentapplications, that are described for the absorbent carrier thatintegrates the product object of the present invention.

For example, if the functional objective, is the absorption of an activesubstance to be slowly released in the air and at the same time allowingthe flow of malodor air to be absorbed, the suitable product is the oneobtained from the woody ring. If on the contrary the functional objectis to achieve absorption of an active substance to be slowly released inthe air and the absorption of malodors or scents is not important, theelected product would be the chaff portion.

Other approaches to select the corncob fraction can be: the convenienceof not having powders or fines. An example of such an application is theintegration of the absorbent agent to active filtration systems wherethe use of the product from the woody ring is most suitable. If theactive ingredient required is thick in nature or if product wererequired to be molded in a three-dimensional object (including themaking of pellets), one would be inclined to select the chaff portion.

On the other hand, and a substantial element of the composition ofmatter, object of the present invention, are the active substances oringredients to be used. These can be aromas, perfumes, flavors or othernatural or chemical agents that are integrated to the product derivedfrom the composition of matter object of the present invention. Ingeneral these substances are available in a liquid, powder or granularstate and depending on the active agents chemical constitution, solublein oil or water.

Under these conditions the absorbent carrier, depending on the type ofactive ingredients used, can absorb a larger or smaller quantity of saidagent. This depends primarily on the size of the active ingredientmolecule size, the absorbent carriers gradual release will also dependon this molecular size. The absorption of malodor or scents issimultaneously achieved. The intensity, duration and brightness of thearoma, with fragrances, will depend on factors of the active ingredientor agent's composition. For example, larger molecular size is equal tolonger duration, while the presence of smaller molecular sizes such asthose in an ester, evaporate quickly.

Some examples for the formulation of the absorbent carrier with activesubstances in a liquid state are:

EXAMPLE #1

for fragrances, perfumes and therapeutic aromas, generally using a baseof polyvinyl glycol, light mineral oil or microencapsulated powder orgranular base, the concentration on a weight basis of the woody ring toactive ingredient, is from 0.01% to 18%. A larger amount saturates theabsorbent carrier and product flowability is greatly reduced. Forconcentrations on a weight basis of the chaff portion ranges from 0.01%to 36% are required.

EXAMPLE #2

for repellents and attractants, generally in oleaginous ormicroencapsulated powder or granular bases such as Givaudans FlavorBurst™ products, the recommended concentration ranges, for the woodyring as well as the chaff portion, are similar to the previous example.Concentrations depend on the active ingredient or agent used and thefunctionality desired in the end product.

EXAMPLE #3

for oxidizers and chemical reducers or neutralizers, generally in aliquid or solid microencapsulated powder or granular base, theconcentration ranges on a per weight basis, both for woody ring andchaff are from 0.05% to 5% of active ingredient or substance. Being thatthe determinant factor is not the capacity of carrier absorption, butrather the capacity to stay stable and not be affected by the activesubstance.

EXAMPLE #4

for antibacterial and fungicidal use, when these are in a water,oleaginous or microencapsulated powder or granular base, the proportionof active ingredient or agent on a per weight basis to absorbent carrieris the same as that of example #1. When the active ingredient uses awater base, the concentrations on a per weight basis can range from0.01% to 25% with the woody ring fraction and 0.01% to 50% with chaff.The concentration to choose will be determined by the experience of whomever prepares formulations according to the known state of the art.

Additionally as mentioned in previous examples, the formulation of thecomposition of matter or product object of the invention, can be madeusing liquid based active ingredients added to the absorbent carrier.The possibility also exists for the use of solid materials as activeingredients, usually in the form of pure or microencapsulated products.This variation allows more flexibility in the absorbent carriersapplications. It can also take advantage of factors like strongerconcentrations of active ingredients. Many pure substances come in solidform; the use of a liquid as diluent or dispersant of the pure substanceimplies a reduction in its concentration or strength. For example tablesalt NaCl is more intense to the palate than its version diluted inwater, commonly called brine.

On the other hand the use of active ingredients in solid state canadhere and/or adsorb to the surface of the absorbent corn cob carrier,allowing it to use a larger proportion of it's inner absorbent capacityfor malodor or other applications. The opposite occurs when using activeingredients in a liquid state, since these occupy more of the corncobcarriers odor absorbent capacity thus partially reducing it's ability toabsorb undesirable malodor.

The option of using active ingredients in solid state instead of liquid,is possible with the concurrence of 4 basic elements: an absorbentcarrier, constituted by a fraction derived from corncobs, an activeingredient or agent that is in liquid or solid state; a combinationresulting from the mix of a mineral or organic carrier with a liquidbase active ingredient and finally, a substance that assures that, theactive ingredients absorb or adsorb to the corncob carrier (avoiding theseparation among carriers or agents and assuring correct homogeneity,functionality and dispersion).

To exemplify the above-mentioned we describe two practical examples. Theresults obtained, using two types of active ingredients one in liquidform and the other solid, both dispersed in the corncob carrier; woodyring sized between 1410 and 841 microns was used. The liquid activeingredient is a concentrated floral fragrance perfume using polyvinylglycol as a carrier.

EXAMPLE #5

Corncob carrier mixed with an active ingredient in is a liquid base. Thedensity of the active ingredient determined a saturation point of 18% ona per weight basis to the corncob granules. 180 grams of activeingredient where mixed with a kilogram of corncob carrier. Thisproportion maintains carrier flowability, absorption of odors and slowrelease of active ingredient (fragrance).

Results: the perfuming active ingredient, was released gradually andperceived smell lasted 30 days. The corncob carrier continued absorbingscents in the air after 30 days.

EXAMPLE #6

two active ingredients; one utilizing an encapsulated active ingredient,commercially available, like Givaudan fragrance or flavor, in powderform and the other, using a laboratory sample, made by mixing SiliconDioxide (SiO2), in proportion of 1 to 4 on the base of liquid activeingredient to Silicon Dioxide weight. The absorbent corncob carrier wasimpregnated with an adherent coating, in this case consisting of a 0.5%per weight basis, foamed solution of anionic surfactant with water. Oncethe corncob carrier was mixed with the foam, an adherent coating of foamformed on the corncob granules. Immediately after which the activeingredients in solid form where added. The active ingredient particlesadhered to the coating and allowed for a homogeneous mixture withoutseparation.

Results: In both cases the adhesion of solid particles to the corncobgranules allowed a more intense and prolonged duration of the perfumingscent, which was slowly released over a 60 day period, in comparison tothe 30 days obtained in example #5 with a liquid active ingredientperfume mixed directly with corncob granules. In both cases the corncobabsorbed odors in the air even after 60 days.

Both examples, one with liquid and the other with solid activeingredients were performed at the same time. The new product was exposedto the air by placing it in a 40 cm×5 cm.dish. The product was placed intwo separate rooms measuring 3×4×2.4 mts.

The adherents used to form a coating on corncob particles are within thefollowing ranges:

EXAMPLE #7

Using surfactants as adherent coating: anionic, cationic and amphotericcan be used. The formulation is: foam obtained from adding water to0.02% to 5% of surfactant by weight. The quantity of foam on a perweight basis to corncob woody ring fraction (carrier) is between 0.5%and 3.5%. Larger proportions do not allow for an appropriate mixturewhen adding active ingredients in solid form.

EXAMPLE #8

Using mineral oils as an adherent coating; they should be highly refinedpreferably odor and colorless; viscosity on the Saybolt scale (SUS/210F) should be between 40 and 300. The concentration of mineral oil byweight to woody ring is between 0.5% and 18%.

Finally active ingredients can be polymers, perfumes, oxidizers,attractants, repellents, reducers, antibacterials, etc. in solid form.These ingredients are mixed and dispersed with the granular corncobcarrier sized between 37 and 250 microns. The quantity of solid activeingredient dispersed should be between 1% and 40% per weight basis.

In conclusion, the incorporation of corncob fractions mentioned withactive ingredients whether chemically synthesized or natural, improvesthe qualities and functionality that both elements have for themselvesseparately. However, the use of corncob fractions as absorbent ofodoriferous substances from the environment is also a novel concept. Theforms of carrying out the mixture or integration of these elements canvary according to the circumstance. The types of active ingredients thatwill be used depend on the functional objective that is pursued,equipment available and the experience of those skilled in the art.

Having described the invention, many different embodiments will becomeapparent to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertainswithout deviating from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in theappended claims.

1. An absorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment,comprising: a carrier formed by particles consisting of a woody ring anda chaff ring of a corncob having a moisture content below 10%.
 2. Theabsorbent material of odoriferous substances of the environment of claim1, wherein the particles of the carrier are obtained from the woody ringof the corncob.
 3. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances ofthe environment of claim 2, wherein the particles of the carrier have asize less than or equal to approximately 2380 microns.
 4. The absorbentmaterial of odoriferous substances from the environment of claim 1,wherein the particles of the carrier are obtained from the chaff ring ofthe corncob.
 5. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances fromthe environment of claim 4, wherein the particles of the carrier have asize less than or equal to approximately 841 microns.
 6. An absorbentmaterial of odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser ofactive ingredients of the type, comprising: a carrier formed byparticles consisting of a woody ring and a chaff ring of a corncobhaving a moisture content below 10%; and an active ingredient mixed withthe carrier.
 7. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances of theenvironment of claim 6, wherein the particles of the carrier areobtained from the woody ring of the corncob.
 8. The absorbent materialof odoriferous substances of the environment of claim 7, wherein theparticles of the carrier have a size less than or equal to approximately2380 microns.
 9. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances fromthe environment of claim 6, wherein the particles of the carrier areobtained from the chaff ring of the corncob.
 10. The absorbent materialof odoriferous substances from the environment and releaser of activeingredients of claim 9, wherein the particles of the carrier have a sizeless than or equal to approximately 841 microns.
 11. The absorbentmaterial of odoriferous substances from the environment of claim 6,wherein the active ingredient is selected from a group consistingessentially of polymers, fragrances, perfumes, flavors, oxidizers,attractants, repellents, reducers and antibacterials, in either a liquidor a solid state.
 12. The absorbent material of odoriferous substancesfrom the environment of claim 6, wherein the particles of the carrierhave a size less than or equal to approximately 250 microns.
 13. Theabsorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment ofclaim 6, wherein a concentration of the active ingredient ranges between0.01% to 180o by weight of the woody ring of the corncob.
 14. Theabsorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment ofclaim 6, wherein the active ingredient ranges between 1.0% and 40.0% byweight.
 15. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from theenvironment of claim 6, wherein the carrier is the chaff ring of thecorncob, and wherein a concentration of the active ingredient rangesbetween 0.01% to 50% by weight of the chaff ring of the corncob.
 16. Theabsorbent material of odoriferous substances from the environment ofclaim 6, wherein the carrier is impregnated with an adherent substance.17. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from theenvironment of claim 16, wherein the adherent substance is a solution ofsurfactant foam formed by adding 0.02% to 5% by weight of surfactant towater.
 18. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from theenvironment claim 16, wherein the adherent substance is one of a mineraloil and an organic oil with a viscosity on a Saybolt scale (SUS/210 F)of between 40 and
 300. 19. The absorbent material of odoriferoussubstances from the environment of claim 18, wherein the carrier is thewoody ring of the corncob, and wherein a concentration of the adherentsubstance ranges between 0.5% and 18% by weight of the woody ring of thecorncob.
 20. The absorbent material of odoriferous substances from theenvironment of claim 6, wherein the carrier and the active ingredientform one of a passive system and an active system for filtering,recycling and/or treating air.